Talbot – Magnetism (Review)

Talbot are a stoner/doom band from Estonia, and this is their third album.

Talbot are a band that are playing their own brand of stoner/doom metal. Mixing the complimentary parts of stoner, doom, psychedelic, sludge, and post-metal together into an enjoyable 42-minute trip, this is an album to sit back and sink into.

It’s not all a hazy, lazy delivery though, as Talbot have got some weight and heft in their songs too. The music is layered and textured, with plenty of nuance and subtlety, but it’s also massively heavy when it needs to be. This is a band that know how to kick out a huge, crushing riff.

The music has several atmospheric qualities to it, which is added to in no small amount by some tasteful synths. These are skilfully incorporated into the band’s rich songwriting, making this aspect of their sound firmly embedded into the music, rather than it being an afterthought of sorts. The songs are laced with psychedelia, further adding to the album’s depth and substance.

The songs are well-written, with good variety of pace, mood, and dynamics. There’s some very affecting and emotive material on this album, and Talbot are basically at the top of their game at the moment.

Well-performed cleans are the main type of vocal used, and these are very effectively delivered and highly enjoyable. Harsher screams and shouts are also used though, reminding you that Talbot have plenty of bite in their music, (as if the heavy riffs could let you forget).

Magnetism is a very accomplished and enjoyable listen. Full of quality, memorable songs that have more depth than you might imagine, and with a playing time that definitely doesn’t outstay its welcome, this is an album to have on repeat over and over again.